Some people only assume that safety is a concern for warehouse or production environments. And even then, there are some misconceptions about how to provide a safe workplace for employees. Regardless of your work environment, safety is imperative, but you may not know where to begin. Company safety doesn’t begin and end with the employees you have on staff. Here are the real areas you should be considering if you want to improve your company safety policy.

Start at the top.

Safety isn’t a bottom-up concern. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Your safety program should start with the executives of your company. They are the ones to establish policy, but also the ones who will be able to lead by example by working within the safety policies of the company. This will be an important aspect to the success of your safety program.

Communication to staff.

Your leadership should also be responsible for communicating the safety policy to everyone on staff. Safety training programs, continued education, and other aspects of a safety program should all come from the top down. Good communication skills regarding the policies and the

Policy enforcement.

By the same token, the safety policy enforcement should also come from the top. Not only should it be communicated to the staff at all levels, but the top leadership positions should be responsible for enforcing the policies for themselves and down through the management structure. This will be the best way to lead by example in the business.

Rewards for safe behavior.

To ensure that everyone is adhering to the company safety standards, a rewards program for positive behavior should be put in place. When an employee performs their duties within the safety protocol, they should be given recognition for their positive contribution. This will encourage others to also perform their jobs in a safe and effective manner.

Emphasis on importance.

Finally, it cannot be overstated that the top management should always place the emphasis on the importance of safety in the workplace. It is when organizations become complacent that accidents happen. And even in the instance where something does happen, maintaining control and following procedure will be imperative.

As a company, when you’re looking to attract talent, you need to stand out from the competition. Do your employees enjoy their jobs? Do you have issues with attendance or performance? Becoming an employer of choice in the area may make all the difference when you’re trying to hire the right people. Here are a few ways you can focus on work-life balance to be a company people want to work with for their careers.

Flexible schedules. It is stunning when we realize that the majority of professional adults spend more time at their jobs than they do with their families. As an employer you can change that dynamic without hurting the profitability of your company. Offer flexible start or end times. Allow some employees to work from home. Offer time off when someone needs it for an emergency at home or an event with their kids. If you manage this correctly you will find that most employees will use this flexibility responsibly and it will improve the overall atmosphere of your company.

Health and wellness programs. Work stress and obesity are also causing problems for companies across the US. Bring a health and wellness program into your business. Replace vending machines with healthy options like fruit baskets and water. Bring a yoga instructor in once a month. Start a walking club for lunch hour. You may even be able to offer discounted gym memberships, weight loss programs, or smoking cessation assistance.

Open door policy. Your employees want to know that their concerns are being heard. Allow your team to approach you with new ideas, problems, or general feedback. Before dismissing an issue, determine how you can use it to solve a problem within your office. If you have a reputation as a manager who is willing to listen you’ll find that your employees are loyal and new candidates are interested in your opportunities.

Social engagement. Occasionally, provide a way for your employees to let off a little steam. Have an ice cream social on Friday afternoon. Host a holiday party every year. You may even choose to schedule a summer weekend getaway. These kinds of social outlets offer everyone on your team to get together casually even if they’re in different departments. It can strengthen interoffice relationships during work hours.

Recognitions and rewards. Most of all, you need to ensure that your staff feel appreciated for their accomplishments on the job. Many employees who leave their jobs site dissatisfaction with their managers. Of course, corrections are often necessary but also make sure to focus on the positive things. Provide rewards or some form of recognition for when an employee does a good job.

Finding qualified industrial and warehouse employees has always been a challenge. In today’s modern world of Facebook and LinkedIn, employers are learning that these are not the places where hands-on workers can be found. Qualified industrial workers are looking for jobs in your community right now, so how do you find them? Here are four ways to locate those employees and bring them on board in your company.

Technical schools. The best place to source new industrial employees is with your local technical school. They like to offer their students and recent grads opportunities to work with local businesses to gain real world work experience. Depending on the skills you need for the job, you may be able to set up an apprenticeship program with the school. Create relationships with the programs that best match your business model and access them whenever necessary.

Referral programs. Your current employees are one of your very best resources for candidates. Good people refer good people. Offer a referral bonus to employees when you hire anyone they recommend to the job. You may wish to make this contingent on continued employment such as paying the bonus after 30 days on the job.

Community resources. Look into local organizations or publications that have large community participation. Finding the right local candidates is about advertising where they already are. Look at local churches and community centers. Advertise with the online editions of your local newspaper. Face to face networking can also help. Establish your business as an industrial employer of choice in your community by becoming involved in local issues and events.

Staffing services. A local staffing company has already tapped into the networks that you are trying to establish. Work with a service to help you find new candidates for your opportunities. They can place individuals on your job in a temporary to hire basis so you can learn how they work and determine if they will be a good long-term fit for the company. A staffing service can provide long-term solutions as well as immediate needs and be there as a resource whenever necessary.

Are you seeking qualified industrial employees for your organization? Meador staffing, Austin TX industrial provider, can help you today!

Our client, an inspection and engineering company in La Porte TX, is currently seeking a candidate for a temporary to permanent accounts payable role.

Qualified candidates will need to have experience with the inspection and engineering industry. The opportunity pays $14 per hour with the possibility of a long term transition to a permanent role. This individual would be responsible for full cycle accounts payable and will interact with vendors, set up travel arrangements, handle expenses, maintain confidentiality, and pay attention to detail. Must have excellent skills in Microsoft Word and Excel as well as experience with expenses and travel arrangements.

Temp to hire Business Processor position available in the Woodlands area.

Our client is seeking an ambitious self-starter for a business processing position handling high volumes and levels of data entry. Position pays $15 to $17 per hour; rate dependent on experience.

Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 12,500 keystrokes per hour and at least 3 to 5 years’ experience. As part of the business processing team, this role will be responsible for entering, reconciling, and quality checking large batches of contracts. They will perform data entry and verify contract accuracy necessary to process business. Strong data entry, telephone, and customer service skills are required. Must have the ability to perform a variety of technical tasks accurately and interact with other team members. This role requires independent thinking, good judgment, and problem-solving. Must be able to communicate effectively and be courteous to clients and customers. Qualifications include 5 years contract warranty administration experience or related work experience, and/or a degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Math. Candidates must have a strong aptitude for numbers and be accurate and organized with attention to detail. Strong computer skills with the ability to learn specialized software, spreadsheets and databases, typing and keyboarding skills are required. This opportunity is perfect for recent college graduates or qualified professionals looking for a career change.

Are you looking for a new opportunity to kick start the next phase of your career? Meador Staffing, offering jobs in Pasadena TX and the surrounding areas, can help you today!

It is no secret to the rest of the country; Austin Texas is a growing place for jobs and job seekers. According to a recent online study, Austin is number 1 on a list of 10 growing cities for jobs that also includes Washington DC, Denver, Charlotte North Carolina, and Minneapolis. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons for Austin’s boom and what attracts both job seekers and businesses to the city.

Technology companies and more. Big names such as Dell and IBM have offices in the city and are hiring skilled individuals for their business. The technology industry is booming in Austin and bringing with it jobs for qualified job seekers in the area. Beyond technology there are also jobs available in biomedical and pharmaceutical companies. Many high profile national companies have built their headquarters in the area including Whole Foods, 3M, Waste Management, and Progressive Insurance.

Business friendly regulations. The very business friendly regulations in Texas are one of the major reasons large US companies are setting up shop there. Not only is the industry fair to large businesses but also to small startups and entrepreneurs. The more people who feel comfortable starting their own organization, the more opportunities for job growth in the area.

No state income tax. Another major reason that Texas is such a friendly state to new job seekers is the lack of a state income tax. This allows for employees to keep a significant portion of their paycheck. However, keep in mind that the lack of state income tax does mean that other taxes, such as property and sales, are higher than average.

Highly educated job market. One of the major reasons industries cite for locating their businesses in Texas is because of the highly educated job market. Especially in Austin, the high level universities are offering businesses a skilled pool of educated workers to take their open jobs. Austin alone is home to several big name colleges including the University of Texas, Concordia, and the Texas Heath and Sciences University.

Are you considering Austin as the perfect place to look for work? Talk with us at Meador staffing, Austin TX service provider.

After sending out hundreds of resumes, attending multiple interviews, and facing rejection more times than you care to count you have landed a great job. You feel motivated and excited to start with your new company. Now, you just need to get through your first day with flying colors. Here are three ways you can prepare for your first day at work on your new job.

Plan your route and transportation. The day before you start your new job is a perfect time to get prepared. Check out a map to the company location and plan your route. If you are unfamiliar with the area you may want to take a test run in the afternoon during the heaviest traffic to see what it will be like. Make sure that your gas tank is full and any necessary car repairs have been done before your first day to avoid any problems on your way to work. Have a backup plan in case there are problems with your transportation.

Plan your outfit. Before your first day learn about the company dress code policy and pick out something that fits within the rules. Lay your clothes out the night before you can you make sure there are no stains or needed repairs. Even if your company is business casual be sure to choose something that is classic and professional. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes in case you will be touring the office.

Plan your lunch and other needs. You never know if your boss or department might want to take you out for lunch on your first day so pack a lunch that won’t go bad if you don’t eat it right away. Bring snacks and drinks so that you have something to eat while you navigate the office policies, snack machines, and drink availability. It also doesn’t hurt to prepare for medical emergencies and bring some pain relievers in case you have a headache and antacid so you don’t have to feel uncomfortable in the office.

Are you looking for more tips to make sure your first day on a new job goes smoothly? If you are looking for staffing agencies in Woodlands TX, contact Meador today.

You’ve already made a great first impression. By the time a company calls you for an interview they have already reviewed your qualifications and they feel you might be a fit for their organization. The face to face meeting is to demonstrate your interpersonal skills and determine if you are right for their team. Here is the place where you need to shine. Consider these 5 tips to be the best candidate you can be at the interview.

Research. Before you ever set foot through the door be sure to research everything you can about the company, their industry, and even some of the key players in the organization. All of this information is readily available on the internet and will help you sound prepared and knowledgeable.

Show them how you meet their needs. Now that you know what they do, apply that information to your skills and experience. You want to provide specific examples that relate to their industry. Refer to the job description and explain how your skills can help them take this position, and their company, to the next level.

Practice. Before the interview, take some time to practice your pitch. Have your friends or family members help you. Also, speak in front of mirror so you can get a feeling for your own body language and curb anything that may be inappropriate for the final interview. The more comfortable you are speaking in front of the interviewer the more confident you will sound.

Common interview questions. You’re certainly aware of the common interview questions such as “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” or simply, “Tell me about yourself.” You need to be prepared with answers to these questions. You want to answer simply and truthfully but you also want to sound creative and inventive.

Ask your own questions. Interviews shouldn’t be an interrogation; they should be a conversation. You should prepare some questions of your own, based on your research of the company, to ask the interviewer.

It is a common misconception that working in an office is one of the safest environments when it comes to workplace injuries. We ask ourselves “how dangerous could it possibly be?” In 2011, Liberty Mutual released the statistic that almost all workplace injuries happen in the office. While manufacturing companies have systems in place to deal with injuries or to prevent them in the first place, many office based businesses don’t think about it much. Ultimately, having plans to handle situations that may cause injury will save your company money when it comes to workers compensation claims. Here are some of the things to consider when putting together a safety plan.

Heavy or improper lifting. We all do it. We know that we are supposed to bend at the knees and use that leverage to lift a heavy box off the floor but we don’t always pay attention. However, if an employee does this on your property they can make an injury claim. Encourage your office employees to wear a belt if they will be lifting heavy things or to ask for help from another team member.

Preventable falls. Some falls are going to happen, but there are some tumbles that are 100% preventable. If there is debris, water, or other hazards on the floor, most commonly in the break room, deal with it immediately upon discovery. Encourage your employees to clean up after themselves if they spill something creating a hazard for others. The parking lot is also another zone of potential injury. Watch for cracks or loose gravel and establish a way to mark these areas and fix the problem.

The staircases. Falling in the break room or hallway is a different sort of injury than falling down the stairs. Often these types of injuries occur when an employee is carrying something up or down with them. This can obscure their vision or cause them to be unable to hold onto the railing for support. Prevent this kind of behavior by having processes in place to move large items between floors in your office.

Repetitive motion. Another common office workplace injury is caused by repetitive motion. This can cause syndromes such as carpel tunnel. Allow your employees to take breaks from repetitive tasks or create environments where these projects are split up among several employees.